Reducing pollutants in your house

Let’s talk today about how to keep your indoor space healthy. Toxins can really add up in our bodies, and the more exposure we have, the higher the risk of allergies and sensitivities.

Believe it or not, indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air! Stuff from outside tends to settle inside the house, but a lot of the toxins actually come from things we bring in unintentionally. Synthetic chemicals lurk in building materials, and those volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can mess with our nervous system and immune system. It takes days or even years for these chemicals to off-gas. Plus, insecticides, mildewcide, and biocide treatments for houses can add to the toxic mix.

Building materials like particle board and plywood often contain formaldehyde, which isn’t great for our health. PVC, the most common synthetic material, usually has dioxin, a known troublemaker causing cancer and birth defects. Even our forced air can recycle dust, animal hair, and mold spores if not maintained properly.

Here are some tips to improve your indoor air quality:

• Keep good ventilation to let toxins escape and fresh air in.
• Maintain a temperature around 65º to reduce gas concentration.
• Keep humidity at 50% to combat house mites.
• Leave shoes at the door to minimize tracked-in toxins.
• Clean your home regularly to limit dust and toxic gas buildup.
• Replace non-removable carpeting with wood or tile floors.
• Seal off sources of out-gassing, like new carpets.
• Filter tap water to remove particles and chemicals.
• Opt for non-toxic solvents and cleaning supplies.
• Use full spectrum lights to reduce eye strain.
• Cut back on microwave and electric blanket use to minimize electromagnetic exposure.

By the way, check out test kits in the market (ranging from $35 to $135) to assess pollutants like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, mold, and nitrogen dioxide in your home. And of course, don’t forget carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors – those are must-haves.

Hope these tips make your living space a healthier haven!

Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash